Learning objectives
To understand when and how CT is used for the evaluation of patients with breast cancer, for initial staging or follow-up.
To show capabilities and limitations of CT for primary breast tumour and lymph node evaluation and preoperative planning.
To show the role of CT in the evaluation of metastatic patterns of breast cancer, response assessment and complications of treatment.
Background
Imaging evaluation plays an essential role in breast cancer. Although mammography, sonography and MR are essential tools for initial evaluation, diagnosis and staging, CT is used as an aid to these techniques for initial tumor staging, and is the most frequently used technique for routine follow-up and assessment of response to therapy in patients with metastatic cancer.
Findings and procedure details
Apart from histological type, breast cancer subtypes are defined by the proliferation index and tumour expression of estrogen, progesterone and human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) dividing tumors into luminal A/B, HER 2-expressing and triple negative. This classification greatly determines the frequency of multiplicity, lymph node and metastatic involvement, and also the pattern and site of metastasis and the timing when they occur. A detailed discussion about this can be found in the work by Chikarmane et al. (1).
CT technique
CT evaluation of...
Conclusion
CT can be valuable in depicting primary tumor characteristics and local extension but has limitations for lymph node extension.
Characteristic metastatic patterns, response assessment and therapy complications are reviewed.
Personal information and conflict of interest
J. Arenas Jimenez; Alicante/ES - nothing to disclose E. Garcia Garrigos; Alicante/ES - nothing to disclose M. C. C. Planells Alduvin; Alicante, ALICANTE/ES - nothing to disclose M. Sirera Matilla; Madrid, MA/ES - nothing to disclose